MBTA To Run Buses Longer

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announced a pilot program to extend the running of buses along popular MBTA routes until 2:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

The program, called the “Nite Owl Route,” has been planned for four years and will begin with only buses since they are more energy-efficient than subways.

A bill in the state legislature, introduced by Cambridge Rep. Alice K. Wolf, would extend the running of the MBTA until 2:30 every night. That bill is on hold pending the results of the new initiative, legislators on the Joint Committee on Transportation said.

“I hope that this pilot program demonstrates to the MBTA that there is a demand in Boston for this service,” Wolf said.

The bus routes will cover many of the areas used by Harvard students, including Harvard Square.

—Vicky L. Sprow contributed to the reporting of this article.